Merck Opens Liquid Crystal Window Facility in the Netherlands

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Merck KGaA opened a new production facility for liquid crystal window modules in Veldhoven, the Netherlands. Deliveries are to start in 2018. The company’s investment of more than $17 million into the facility marks a further expansion by Merck into the liquid crystal market.

“This new facility is a milestone in our strategy to capture new attractive and future-oriented application fields for liquid crystals beyond displays,” says Kai Beckmann, Merck executive board member and CEO of Performance Materials. “We recently started taking orders from customers for modules that will be ready for delivery as of early 2018. The industry interest in liquid crystal windows we’ve seen so far is very positive.”

In a release, Merck states it is responding to the global rising demand for smart glass; liquid crystals regulate light transmission in the glass. The company reports that it will supply the modules enabling glass and window manufacturers to make these smart glass elements, windows and façades. Merck also plans to assist architects, designers and window and façade makers in an advisory capacity.